A Taste of Morocco, Photosafari from 17-28 April 2019

1. Introduction

As the gateway to Africa, located only 13 km away from Europe, Morocco has a rich history of occupations of some of the great empires that ruled Europe and Asia. Over the past 2000 years, Morocco has seen the occupations of the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Throughout Morocco, the rich history is still clearly visible and this photosafari will enable its participants to experience the variety of different cultures, races, religions and landscapes that Morocco has to offer.

Although the main focus of the trip will be to provide you with an unforgettable photographic experience, it will not be limited to pleasing only the eyes. The program will also please the other senses with a program that includes a mix of local music, dance, food, and even a taste of nomadic life in the Sahara desert.

2. Guided by locals

This Photosafari is guided by a renowned local photographer, Bob Endert (LRPS). Bob worked for Canon for 28 years of which 10 years in Asia. Together with his lovely Moroccan wife Fatim, they will ensure you will experience the best of Morocco and also eternalize it.

3. Highlights of the trip

Visit the ancient Arab trading cities of Fez and Marrakech

Visit one of the greatest mosques in the world: the mosque Hassan 2 (also open for non-muslims)

Taste a bit of Berber life in the mountains and Nomadic life in the Sahara desert

March/April/May are the best months for travelling with moderate temperatures and possibilities to see snow-capped mountains

Professional photo guidance by two experienced street and wildlife photographers

Photo sharing sessions among participants to improve the photography techniques.

Experience the odours of the souks and the leather tanneries of Fez

Visit the most impressive ancient Kasbah of Morocco: Ait Ben Haddou

Visit the film studio of Ouarzazate where top movies were shot

Experience the incredible landscapes of the Sahara desert

4. Highlights of the places to visit

Marrakech

Capital of the south, Marrakech once drew camel caravans from the Sahara; this oasis is still one of the finest and most popular cities of Morocco.

Ouarzazate

After our drive through the magical Valley of Dades, we will be spending the night in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate. At its heart is an ancient Kasbah it is also the location of the film studios. You will have sufficient time to discover both attractions and take stunning photos.

Merzouga – Sahara

From this small desert town, we will be exploring Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s only genuine Saharan “erg” – huge drifting sand dunes that change colours depending on the time of day

Tinerhir

Located south of the high Atlas Mountains, Tinerhir is the capital of the Tinghir province where we will have a stop-over and time to photograph Amazigh life in this remote oasis town

Ait Ben Haddou

Located in the Atlas Mountains near Ouarzazate, it is one of the most exotic and best preserved Kasbahs and served as film location for blockbusters such as Gladiator, the Mummy and The Jewel of the Nile

Chefchaouen

Surrounded on all sides by epic mountain scenery and with a 500-year-old fortress at its centre, the city of Chefchaouen — or Chaouen for short — is becoming a new “it” place on​ Morocco’s tourist trail. ​​ It is also known as the “Blue City”.

Casablanca

This city needs no introduction. It has been made famous by the film of the same name. It was founded in the 10th century by Berber fishermen. One of the prime sights we will be visiting in Casablanca is the grand mosque Hassan II.

Fez

The oldest of the imperial cities. Fez is the symbolic heart of Morocco with a medina and views of the city that are not to be missed by anyone visiting Morocco

5. Itinerary

17 April – Day 1 Arrival (D)

Arrive at Casablanca International Airport Mohamed 5

Pick-up and check into Hotel

Dinner

18 April – Day 2 (B,L,D) Casablanca – Chefchaouen

Breakfast & check-out

Guided visit of Mosque Hassan 2

Lunch in Moulay Bousselham

Regular stops for photo taking

Check-in and dinner

Optional evening walk in center

19 April – Day 3 (B,L,D) Chefchaouen

Breakfast

Early morning photoshoot

Lunch in town center

Free time

Dinner

20 April – Day 4 (B,L,D) – Chefchaouen – Fez

Breakfast and check-out

Drive to Fez

“shwa”: Grilled meat lunch

Check in and visit tanneries of Fez

Dinner

Optional evening walk in old center

21 April – Day 5 (B,L,D) Fez

Breakfast

Photoshoot in medina of Fez

Lunch

Optional visit to oldest university or free time for shopping

Dinner

22 April – Day 6 (B,L,D) Fez – Midelt

Breakfast and check-out

Departure for Midelt

Lunch in Azrou (middle atlas)

Drive to Midelt with frequent stops

Check-in and dinner

23 April – Day 7 (B,L,D) Midelt – Erfoud

Breakfast and check-out

Drive to Erfoud (Sahara)

Lunch on the way

Frequent stops for photography

Check-in and dinner

24 April – Day 8 (B,L,D) Erfoud – Erg Chebbi

Breakfast and check out

Drive to nomads by 4WD

Lunch in sahara desert

Camel ride to luxury tents

Sunset photoshoot in sand dunes

Dinner with live “gnaoua” music

25 April – Day 9 (B,L,D) Erg Chebbi – Ouarzazate

Check out and departure by 4WD

Lunch in desert town

Visit to ancient water wells

Visit Tinerhir

Check-in and dinner

26 April – Day 10 (B,L,D) Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Breakfast and check-out

Visit film studio or Kasbah of Ouarzazate

Departure for Ait Ben Haddou

Lunch near ancient kasbah

Photoshoot

Departure for Marrakech

Check-in and dinner

27 April – Day 11 (B,L,D) Marrakech

Breakfast

Photoshoot in old city center

Lunch

Free time for shopping

Farewell dinner & music

28 April – Day 12 (B,L) Marrakech – Casablanca International Airport

Breakfast and check-out

Departure for Casablanca airport

Lunch

If you are interested, please do contact us for reservation or enquiries : Contact Maxby Chan at: [email protected]